Picture this: it’s the middle of a sweltering summer day, and your air conditioning system starts blowing warm air, or worse, it shuts down completely. Before you know it, your comfortable home has turned into a sauna, and you’re left scrambling for a quick fix. Unfortunately, this situation tends to happen all too often with ageing air conditioning units.

When your air conditioner starts acting up, it’s not just comfort that’s affected. It can cause unanticipated repair costs, higher electricity bills, and the mounting possibility of a full breakdown. Understanding the signs of a failing air conditioner is key to sidestepping these issues by knowing when an air conditioner replacement is necessary.

As Brisbane’s leading ducted conditioning specialists, our priority is ensuring you don’t have to deal with the stress, discomfort and costs associated with a malfunctioning air conditioner. In this article, we share the telltale signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced.

1. Higher Than Usual Electricity Bills

Even if your air conditioning unit seems to be running smoothly, a sudden and unexplained increase in your electricity bills can be one of the first indications that something is amiss. As an air conditioning system ages, it can become less efficient, requiring more energy to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, which leads to skyrocketing utility bills.

To determine if your air conditioning unit is the reason for the spike in your household electricity consumption, your first step should be to conduct an energy audit. Compare your current electricity bill to the same period from previous years to check for substantial differences. If your recent bills are much higher and nothing else has changed in your household, it’s a solid indicator that your air conditioner is the culprit.

Of course, basic maintenance tasks like cleaning vents and changing filters might be what the unit needs to enhance its efficiency. However, if this maintenance makes no difference, it may be time to consider a new air conditioning system. While the air conditioner replacement cost might seem like a sizable investment upfront, the savings on your energy bills over the longer term could easily offset it.

2. Leaking or Excess Moisture

While a little condensation around your outdoor air conditioner unit is normal, condensation from your safety drain or water leaking from your ceiling vents may suggest a serious problem. When an air conditioner’s drainage system is blocked, water can back up and eventually spill over. Refrigerant leaks are another common issue, specifically in aged units that haven’t been maintained properly.

A leaking air conditioner isn’t something to ignore. Water leakage can damage ceilings, flooring and furniture. It can also create an ideal environment for mould growth, posing health concerns and costly mould remediation works. Refrigerant leaks, on the other hand, can result in high power bills and inefficient cooling or no cooling effect at all.

If you suspect a leak, it’s important to have a professional assess the unit to ascertain the cause. Minor issues like a line blockage or defective valve might just require repairs. However, if you have an old air conditioning unit that’s regularly leaking, a more cost-effective (and health-effective) option may be to consider a replacement air conditioner.

3. Strange Noises

While most units produce a low hum, air conditioners aren’t supposed to make banging, squeaking, or grinding sounds. Strange noises coming from your AC system can be a sign of mechanical failure or worn-out parts.

Continuing to run your ducted air conditioning system or split system air conditioner while it’s making strange sounds can cause further damage and lead to a complete breakdown. For instance, a minor issue, like a loose fan barrel causing a rattling sound, can quickly become an expensive repair or even a full system failure, if ignored.

Often, a professional air conditioning service is enough to iron out the issue. However, ongoing or severe noises, particularly in an old air conditioner, are often signs you need a new air conditioner.

4. Unpleasant Smells

Unpleasant odours coming from your air conditioning, such as musty or burning smells, are a sign of a problem. Many factors can contribute to your ducted system or split system producing foul smells. For instance, mould or mildew growing inside the unit, or an accumulation of dust and debris in the filters, fans, or ductwork. More concerning, a burning smell may suggest overheating or the malfunctioning of electrical components.

Running your air conditioning while it’s emitting unpleasant smells goes beyond inconvenience. It impacts your indoor air quality, triggering respiratory issues and allergies, and even poses fire risks.

If, after cleaning the filters or ducts, the unpleasant smells persist, it signals that the system may be beyond repair. At this point, an air conditioner replacement is likely the safest and most effective solution for eliminating bad smells and ensuring a healthier living environment.

5. Regular Repairs

Air conditioning units typically require annual servicing to ensure efficiency. If you’re scheduling frequent repairs for your indoor unit or outdoor unit, it may indicate the need for a more permanent solution.

Recurring issues like refrigerant leaks or compressor problems are signs that your system is nearing the end of its life. While some repairs are manageable, frequent complex fixes, especially after the warranty has expired, suggest that the system is breaking down faster than you can repair it.

At a certain point, repair costs outweigh the benefits of keeping an old air conditioner. When assessing the cost of replacement, it’s essential to factor in the long-term savings of a new replacement air conditioner, which can reduce repairs, improve energy efficiency, and lower power bills.

6. Inconsistent Cooling or Heating

A common sign that it’s time to consider an air conditioner replacement is if your current system can’t maintain the set temperature. While it might still blow air, if the temperature of the air in cooling mode isn’t at least 10°C cooler than the average temperature in your home, it’s a clear sign something is wrong. For example, you may notice warm or ambient air coming out even when the system is set to cool. These issues could stem from low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or blocked valves or coils.

Inconsistent cooling or heating makes for an uncomfortable home and also signals inefficiency, causing the unit to work harder than necessary. This leads to higher electricity bills and speeds up wear and tear on components that are likely already deteriorated.

You can check for system blockages or low refrigerant to solve the issue. However, if it persists, it’s probably time to consider an air conditioner replacement to restore consistent temperature control, improve comfort, and reduce energy costs.

7. Your AC Unit Is Past Its Prime

One of the more obvious signs that it’s time for an air conditioner replacement is simply that your current system is old. The average lifespan of air conditioners is between 10-15 years. Once they reach this age, they begin to lose efficiency and are more prone to mechanical issues. If your existing unit is within this range, there’s a high chance it’s no longer working optimally.

Older split systems and ducted units also contain outdated technology, making them far less energy efficient than today’s models. Replacing your air conditioner with a brand new digital inverter unit that runs the latest refrigerant can significantly reduce your household energy consumption while providing better temperature control and modern features, such as smart thermostats.

So, if your system is past its prime, replacing it with a new AC unit could be your key to improved efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and lowered utility bills – a worthwhile investment!

Time for An Air Conditioner Replacement?

If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned in this article, like higher than usual electricity bills, weird noises, leaks, or inconsistent cooling or heating, it’s likely that something isn’t right with your air conditioner. Remember that an ageing or malfunctioning air conditioner doesn’t just mean discomfort. It means drained finances and a whole lot of hassle, too.

When it comes to an air conditioner replacement, Smarter Air & Electrical is your trusted one-stop shop, serving Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, and Redlands. We specialise in both ducted and split system installations, servicing, and repairs, and work with only top quality brands to ensure the best solutions for your home. 

Whether your AC unit is beyond repair or you’re simply looking to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, we’re here to guide you through the whole process, from installation to ongoing maintenance.

Why wait for a total breakdown? Contact us today to find out how we can keep your home comfortable and energy efficient with an AC unit replacement.